CLOTHING 24a 



But as there are usually lots of ducks in on the slobs, etc., 

 during windy days, a safe venture might be taken by working 

 the channels and creeks, from which occasional shots might 

 be got ; in fact, during storms many of the ducks find shelter 

 in such creeks. Be cautious and work up the channels as soon 

 as ever the tide begins to flow, or you may be overtaken by the 

 weather. Severe wintry weather is, without doubt, the best of 

 all for punt-shooting. When all is frozen up inland, and the 

 country mantled with snow, the gunner afloat on the tide may 

 expect to meet with practically all kinds of fowl, from swans 

 downward. There then only remains for him to select his 

 best times to set out, and make good his time when he has the 

 chance, for these chances seem to be few nowadays in our 

 native isles. 



Clothing is an all-important matter when punt-shooting. 

 To be thinly and unsuitably clad out on salt water in cold 

 weather is simply courting danger in more than a few respects. 

 No doubt a strong and vigorous person may go for years 

 lightly dressed without contracting anything harmful ; yet be 

 assured that, although he may not feel any ill-effects at the 

 time, he will probably sufi"er in later years. It is always 

 wise to be on the safe side in matters of this kind. We 

 therefore advise sportsmen to clothe well, as well as properly, 

 when going afloat after wildfowl. Let all underclothing be 

 woollen. Flannel next the skin. Of course, as to exact quantity 

 we leave to each individual. We usually wear light flannel 

 singlet or vest, woollen shorts, thick woollen linings or pants, 

 (called by some professional punters "fearnoughts"), and 

 a pair of long woollen stockings. Over this lot we put a 

 thick woollen sweater or guernsey (white for preference), then 

 an ordinary thick woollen cloth coat and knickers. Over the 

 coat we wear a white duck jacket, for the sake of harmonising 

 with the punt. Although these jackets do little to keep out 

 the cold they are not bad for turning a little wet, though, of 



